40th Anniversary Exhibit, Who We Are - 40 years of history & Free Admission Weekend
March 14th, 2026
VPMA celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a new exhibition
In celebration of 40 years, the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives (VPMA) is proud to announce the launch of its exciting anniversary exhibition.
The new exhibition Who We Are, provides a look at specialized units of the Vancouver Police Department: including the Mounted Unit and the Canine Unit, providing an overview of how each squad operates in order to keep our city safe.
To mark four decades of preserving the Vancouver Police Department’s history, the museum will host a Free Admission Weekend on April 18-19, 2026, inviting the public to experience this new display at no cost.
The exhibit features unique artifacts never before shown to the public including: videos, items collected during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, alongside specialized equipment on loan directly from the featured units!
“Our goal was to bring the VPD back to the forefront of our exhibit space by highlighting the specialized skills that keep our city safe,” says Isaiah Johnson, Curator at the Vancouver Police Museum. “By interviewing officers from these units and visiting their workplaces, we’ve been able to integrate authentic voices and contemporary stories into the former Coroner’s Court. This exhibition marks our 40th anniversary by connecting the museum’s collection with the active-duty work of today’s specialized units.”
Exhibit Highlights:
Specialized Units: A concise look at the skills and operations of special VPD units.
Animals in Action: A focused look at the vital roles of the VPD Mounted and K9 units, from the specialized training to the tactical presence of the squads.
The "Swiftie" Connection: including the famous "friendship bracelets" worn by VPD horses, at one of the largest policing events in Vancouver’s recent history.
The "Nitro" Video: A solemn retrospective of the life of a Police Service Dog.
40th Anniversary Celebration: A weekend of free access (April 18–19) to thank the Vancouver community for four decades of support.
The Vancouver Police Museum & Archives was founded in 1986 to commemorate the dual centennials of both the City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department. Forty years later, it remains North America’s oldest police museum and is housed in the heritage building that once served as the city's morgue and autopsy suite.
Media Contact:
Gabriel Cardoso
Marketing & Communications Manager
604.665.3346
I always enjoy exhibitions that include real stories and objects you wouldn’t normally get to see, so the friendship bracelets and the Nitro story caught my attention. It sounds like a lovely way to celebrate 40 years of local history. In my spare time, I also enjoy playing a few rounds of Krillion when I need a little break.
What a fascinating look at the evolution of policing over 40 years! I'm curious how have community perspectives on law enforcement changed during this time? It seems like understanding these shifts could help deepen connections today. As a Fnaf game fan, I also find it interesting how trust, safety, and security play such important roles in creating a sense of community!
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What a fantastic way to celebrate 40 years! I love how you've highlighted the museum's journey and its deep connection to our community. Like 2048, every milestone adds up to something special! Can't wait to check out the exhibit this weekend thanks for the free admission!
This exhibit sounds amazing! ragdoll playground I love how it showcases the evolution of law enforcement in Vancouver. It'd be interesting to see if they incorporate more community stories next time—those personal touches really resonate!